Knowledge Base

This animated video illustrates what can go wrong when a bulkhead stool void space was due for periodical internal inspection on a loaded bulk carrier, and the lessons that can be learnt from the incident that unfortunately led to a fatality.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has updated its guidance, Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers. This document provides comprehensive recommendations on safe port entry, shipboard measures to address risks associated with COVID-19, managing an outbreak of Covid-19 onboard ship and on other medical issues arising during Covid-19.

An important reminder to Members about Regulation 22A of MARPOL Annex VI which requires ships over 5,000 GT and engaged on international voyages to collect and report data on fuel consumption, from 1 January 2019.

Following on from the Club’s recent update, “IMO endorses new protocols designed to lift barriers to crew changes” the heads of the maritime (IMO), labour (ILO) and aviation (ICAO) organisations of the United Nations have issued a joint statement pleading for urgent action on crew changes and for sea and air workers to be designated as key workers, so that they can be relieved and repatriated in a safe way during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Poseidon Principles, launched in New York on 18 June 2019, is an agreement reached between the finance sector and the shipping industry to integrate the IMO’s policies on climate change into ship finance decision making processes. They apply globally and, specifically, signatories to the Principles have to ensure that their ship finance portfolios are aligned with the targets set out in the IMO’s Initial Green House Gas (“GHG”) Strategy introduced in April 2018. It is hoped that making access to finances conditional upon compliance with the IMO’s GHG Strategy will encourage ‘greener’ ships in the industry.

As the UK Club adapts to the changing need of its Members and the Maritime industry, over the past few months, we have supported the training needs of our Members with a series of Webinars covering various Loss Prevention issues. The next live webinar will be held on 04 June 2020 at 0900 Hrs London / 1600 Hrs Singapore. The webinar focuses on the subject of "An overview of P&I Clubs and Claims".

OUTLINE • On 14 May 2020 the US issued a Global Maritime Advisory (“Guidance”) aimed at a range of industry sectors including marine insurers such as P&I clubs and shipowners and charterers. • The Guidance updates and expands earlier advisories concerning Iran, Syria and North Korea (“the DPRK”). • The Guidance provides detail on the level of due diligence and other compliance related activities expected by the US Government of parties whose business activities run a risk of engaging in trades that may breach US sanctions.